Colour for Coloured Girls

For us pigmented girls it pays to experiment with colour- bold colours look amazing on darker skin and its a simple way to make a statement!

Take this stunning example of the newly (and I hope healthily) transformed Jennifer Hudson:

Jennifer Hudson promoting her cover for Good Housekeeping

Why it works:

Warm Yellow Dress– she used a warm tone, bold yellow to compliment her skin tone (a light/pale yellow would have been unflattering)

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Red/Coral lips – the perfect accent colour, and it’s just enough colour so as not to take away from the yellow dress

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Nude Shoes – also the perfect way to balance out the yellow dress and red lips

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V-Neck – is most flattering for a top-heavy figure

    

Here are some examples of other girls of colour successfully adorning colour!

Viola Davis

Freida Pinto

Sofia Vergara

GRAMMYS 2012 - Best and Worst Dressed

The tone at this year’s Grammys was no doubt deeply affected by Whitney Houston’s shocking death just the day before. However, many of the artists as well as the host, LL Cool J – encouraged that instead of just mourn, we celebrate her life and work through music. Through a moving tribute by Jennifer Hudson and various shout-outs for Whitney, her life and death were handled respectfully last night.

And in keeping with the celebratory tone, how could we let an event like the Grammy’s go without discussion, deconstructing, and dissing the fashion! Especially when there were more options for Worst Dressed then Best...here is my list:

 BEST DRESSED:

Adele cleaned up the awards, category after category - restoring some faith in the music industry, and she wins once again for BEST DRESSED!  The styling was impeccable, the hair, the make up and the Armani dress made me so happy - success all around!

 Rihanna made a grand entrance with this custom-made Armani gown. Looking clearly comfortable, confident and gorgeous and the hair adds the punk-pop factor to complete this head-turning perfection!

Gwyneth hits the minimal look spot on - and is perfectly fashionable without trying too hard (a rarity at this event) - effortless, chic and sexy in this black Stella McCartney

WORST DRESSED:

What was she thinking! Katy Perry normally has a costumey aesthetic which we love to see on the red carpet, but this more `demure` look really didn`t work for her. The fit is horrible, especially as she is top heavy. She wins the title of Worst Dressed.

WTF. Try-hard, shock value gone wrong...need I say more.

Carrie Underwood almost got it right with this one - but not quite. I think had it been a different colour or shade and her hair wasn't such a french braid from prairie-town, this could have worked.

 Now see, Taylor Swift just missed the mark with this one. I see that she is trying to re-invent her look, as a more mature, serious artist but this look is TOO old for her. She should have gone for a more flowy, romantic feel with her hair in waves and soft bangs.

Whitney Houston 1963 - 2012

Whitney Houston, at the age of 48, was found dead yesterday at the Beverley Hilton Hotel. We have certainly lost one of the greatest voices of our time, a pure talent who died far too young. The coroners have yet to determine the true cause of death. But unfortunately considering her public battle with drugs for the last decade or so, many of us are not incredibly shocked as we read this headline today. That is the real tragedy. 

The most recent news development is that she had a multitude of prescription bottles, including Xanax and she was also drinking the night before. Mixing prescription pills and alcohol could have been the cause of her untimely death. If cocaine was the drug of the 80's, then prescription pills are the cocaine of today. We have lost too many, too young because of what many consider to be an epidemic of prescription pill abuse. 

Just because they come in a nicely labelled bottle does not make them any less dangerous. Michael Jackson, Amy Winehouse, Heath Ledger, the list goes on. According to this article done by ABC news, about 40 Americans die every day from prescription drug overdose. That is absolutely unacceptable. When will we learn.

Here is one of my favourite Whitney tracks; a true talent, we lost too soon

HOW TO WEAR COLOURED DENIM

Coloured denim is a trend that has been circulating in trendsetting closets for a couple of years now and this trend is not going anywhere: It is officially a closet staple for 2012! Now you might react one of two ways to this news; run for the hills, I’ll never wear coloured jeans! OR I’d like to try it, but HOW?!  

Well hopefully this article will alleviate some of that colour anxiety – here are some helpful tips on how to easily incorporate coloured denim in your jean rotation to instantly update and brighten up your wardrobe!

TIPS:

Which type/brand to buy: Skinnies with a little stretch:  Urban Outfitters ($$)  J Brand @ shopbop.com ($$$) 

Shopbop.com ships to Canada! Coloured Denim section: http://www.shopbop.com/brand/br/v=1/2534374302189122.htm 

Which colour to choose: Gem Tones (deep reds, purples, blues, darker greens) - For summer 2012, can go with lighter colours

What to wear it with: Pair with neutral tops (black, white etc) and either black pumps, booties or simple flats/loafers for a more casual look

When to wear it:

For a night out: wear with black or white blazer, or neutral/black silk blouse – high heeled black pumps, add a cute clutch, some studs and coloured lips and you are ready for a night out!

For a day look: wear with neutral/tan knits and loafers - add a multi-tone scarf to complete the look

Ps: when dealing with colour, it is important to balance out bold colour with neutrals - and the opposite holds true as well, when wearing neutrals, it is important to add pops of colour to create a balanced look

Here are some examples: Good luck!